Boone Town Council

swears in newcomers

and incumbent
By Frank Ruggiero
ruggiero@wataugademocrat.com

A bittersweet night for the Boone Town Council saw two members part and two join.

Dempsey Wilcox and Bunk Spann stepped down from their positions as council members, allowing newcomers Liz Aycock and Stephen Phillips to pick up where they left off.

Aycock and Phillips, both previously members of the Boone Area Planning Commission, defeated Wilcox and Spann, respectively, in the 2007 municipal election, with Aycock winning a two-year term and Phillips a four-year term.

Before the council’s Dec. 20 meeting could commence, District Court Judge Greg Horne officiated as Loretta Clawson was sworn into her second term as mayor. Aycock and Phillips were subsequently sworn in as council members, as was Lynne Mason for her third term. Mason was also appointed by the council to serve a second term as mayor pro tem.

Clawson then recognized Spann and Wilcox for their years of service to the town of Boone. First presenting Spann with a plaque, Clawson said, “He has done a tremendous job for this community. He served on practically every committee … he is an incredible person who is retiring from town council tonight.”

Spann, who served for four years, accepted the plaque and thanked Clawson for her leadership during his term.

“I want to thank the council members for the great fellowship we’ve had, the opportunity we’ve had to serve the community,” Spann said. “I feel really good about the direction that the council has pursued in the last four years … and to all the citizens of the town of Boone, thank you for giving me the opportunity to be of service to the community; it’s been a great experience for me, I’ve learned a tremendous amount about our town.”

Spann assured the council he won’t be a stranger, though, as he’ll likely return from time to time “to advocate for the good things that I think we want to be doing to create a town that has a truly sustainable future.”

Clawson then presented a plaque to Wilcox, honoring his 12 years of service to the town. She said his name is a “household word,” in that Wilcox is the quintessential community member, having been born and raised in the area.

“For 10 years now, I’ve served with Dempsey, and it’s been an absolute pleasure,” Clawson said. “Dempsey knows everything there is to know about finances, everything there is to know about the town of Boone budget, and we’re certainly going to miss that expertise. You’ve done a tremendous job for the town of Boone, and we appreciate you so much.”

Upon accepting the plaque, Wilcox thanked the town for the opportunity to serve, as well as town staff for their tireless work.

“I don’t think people realize how much the staff actually does for us and how much that we rely on them to make the town work, and I really appreciate what they’ve done,” he said, “and I appreciate the town of Boone for giving me these 12 years to serve it.”

Clawson then afforded each sitting council member the opportunity to share their outlook for the future. Aycock said she was thrilled with the opportunity and that she looks forward to the next two years “and serving you the best I can.”

Council member Janet Pepin thanked Spann and Wilcox for their service, and then offered a word of advice to Aycock and Phillips. “Just hold on to your seats – you’re in for the ride of your lifetime.”